1998 Ford Escort Running Lights Out

1998 FORD ESCORT
Avatar
KTINSPIRED
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
a month ago my running lights went out on my 98 escort 80,000 miles. the dealer said it had burnt wires and needed a new wire harness. $1000 in repairs. Went to have an alarm installed and they taold me there were burnt and naked wires. And the running lights weren't working again. took back to the dealer and they said it's a bad fuse box it will cost $400 to put in a new one.

Am I being ripped off? i know nothing about cars as I am female. But to me it's common sense. The first time they had the car seems they repaired a symptom(wire harness) to the real problem (fuse box short)

Can anyone tell me something here. I am going to call the dealer later after I have gathered information. The original work is under warrantee, am I dont think I should have to pay for their over sight. Right or wrong?
Mar 1, 2006 at 10:12 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
PEPPERMRJ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,158 POSTS
I have to agree with your assesment 100%. Good luck. Stick to your guns, call you local better business bureau, raise a stink in a crowded showroom, and threaten small claims court. Wonder if they even replaced the harness.

After this is resolved ask your friends, relatives, and neighbors to recommend a good independent repair facility. https://www.2carpros.com/kpages/avoid_car_repair.htm is a good read.

Let us know how you make out. :?:
Mar 3, 2006 at 10:54 AM
Avatar
KTINSPIRED
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
So far I have work up the the director of the dealer ship. So far he seems to be understanding but he gets paid to be a kiss a--. I have let him know in no uncertain terms I will not lay down on this one.
I'll update you.
Mar 4, 2006 at 12:57 AM
🔧 Tools & Auto Repair Parts
Find automotive tools, diagnostic equipment, and replacement parts for your next repair.
Shop on Amazon →
Paid affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Suggested Repair

Do not pay separately for the fuse box if the earlier harness repair is still under warranty. The burnt wiring was likely a symptom of a shorting fuse box. Ask the dealer to cover the fuse box, confirm the harness was actually replaced, and if they refuse, escalate through the Better Business Bureau or small claims and get a second opinion from an independent shop.

Conversation Summary

A 1998 Ford Escort owner said the running lights failed around 80,000 miles. The dealer blamed burnt wires and charged about $1,000 for a wire harness. After an alarm installer later found burnt, exposed wires and the lights failed again, the dealer said the fuse box was bad and wanted about $400 more. The owner believed the harness work treated a symptom of a fuse-box short and that the follow-up should be covered under the original warranty. An expert agreed, advised insisting on warranty coverage, questioning whether the harness was replaced, and escalating if needed, then using an independent shop. The owner later spoke with the dealership director and remained firm about not paying.

Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Ask a new question

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle